Jose Francisco Salgado

Adler Planetarium

Abstract

Time-Lapse Photography of the Night Sky feat. the World Premiere of “Sidereal Motion"

Astronomer and visual artist José Francisco Salgado uses photographic techniques such as time-lapse, infrared, fisheye, and stereoscopic (3D) photography to communicate astronomy and to inspire the viewer to learn more about the Universe. For the past two years he has been photographing observatories and the night sky from remote locations such as Mauna Kea, Cerro Paranal, and the Southwest USA. The resulting time-lapse videos lie at the intersection of art and science by showing Earth's perspective of the Universe in an awe-inspiring way. Salgado will talk about how he uses these photographic techniques to enhance his multidisciplinary artwork. To conclude his session Salgado will be joined by musician/composer Tom Bailey (formerly of British pop group Thompson Twins) to present and perform their new production entitled "Sidereal Motion".

 

Biographical Details

Jose Francisco Salgado is an astronomer and science visualizer at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Formally trained in Physics (BS, Univ. of Puerto Rico) and Astronomy (PhD, Univ. of Michigan), he uses his skills in astronomy education and visual arts to create multimedia works that communicate science in engaging ways. His education and outreach efforts include Spanish-language programs, an Emmy-nominated astronomy TV news segment, and critically-acclaimed astronomy films created to accompany live performances of classical music works. These films were featured in the opening ceremony of the International Year of Astronomy (2009) at UNESCO, Paris. By the end of 2009, the films had been presented more than 50 times in 13 countries. Lately Salgado, an avid photographer, has been experimenting with high dynamic range imaging, time-lapse, infrared, and fisheye photography, as well as with stereoscopic photography and video to enhance his multimedia works. Through his work, Salgado seeks to create visually appealing images to provoke curiosity and a sense of wonder about the Earth and the Universe